Space Shuttle Launch

On February 7, space shuttle Endeavour is expected to launch as one of NASA's five final shuttle missions into space.

As the space shuttle program comes to a close this September, it is interesting to think how it started—January 27, 1967: the Apollo 1 fire. Essentially the result of carelessness and complacency, this incident came as a tragic blow to the Apollo program, but it demonstrated the need to revamp to ensure supreme safety. Though the Apollo 1 mission ended in disaster, it reduced the risk of experiencing another crisis and ensured that everyone would be ready in case there was another accident.

The Apollo 1 fire must have left many people wondering if Americans would ever make it to the moon. Now, however, we wonder if we will make it to Mars—and beyond.

*UPDATE* February 7, 2010

Space shuttle Endeavour's launch was postponed until 4:14 a.m. EST on February 8.